Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Run-of-river power plant
The invention concerns a run-of-river power plant for using the energy of the
flowing water.
Such run-of-river power plants are available in a large number of variations.
The invention concerns a run-of-river power plant, which can also be used with
flows with minimal energy production. We are mainly dealing with power plants
with minimal falling height and significant volume stream, so-called
hydroelectric
power plants. The power plants should be designed in such a way that they are
overflowed for their greatest part and hence remain hidden to the eyes of the
observer and hardly disturb the course of the river in case of high water.
With
such application cases, the irregular production of water should be calculated
while taking into account the season of the year, as well as spurious
particles,
which are trapped by the current, such as stones, driftwood and so forth. The
aim
is hence to provide a solution which is as simple and little accident prone as
possible.
The construction of run-of-river power plants is basically quite costly.
Consequently, the means to be implemented cannot be anticipated with
precision.
An important variable is for example the quality of the riverbed. If it
consists of
bedrock, the means to be implemented will be particularly large. Moreover,
extensive measures are necessary during the construction such as the diversion
of
the whole river from the settled riverbed with a bed then created
artificially.
Sometimes, only a portion of the current is diverted, so that to assist the
construction of the power plant, a portion of the riverbed can be drained. All
these
measures are extraordinarily costly.
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The object of the invention is then to offer a run-of-river power plant which
is
easy to build, which can be erected cost efficiently, which is insensitive
with
respect to so-called bedload such as stones, driftwood and which can be
erected
easily, quickly and cost efficiently. Whenever possible, the sheeting of the
foundation pit mentioned above should be dispensed with.
This object is satisfied by the characteristics of the independent claims.
The main idea of the independent claim of the equipment is to provide a
plurality
of modules which are arranged close to one another in the flow direction.
Every
module carries at least one energy unit, comprising a turbine and a generator.
A
suction pipe or a suction channel connects in a conventional manner to the
energy
unit.
The otherwise usual dam, which contains several energy units, is hence
divided.
Every module can hence be totally self-sustained and erected individually,
independent of the neighbouring module. A module can thus be erected after
another. To do so, the ideal to start with a first module close to the shore,
before
installing the next neighbouring module, and so forth.
The claims of the method provide a detailed description.
The invention is described below with reference to the drawing. The following
details are shown:
Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a run-of-river power plant
in front
elevational view.
Figure 2 shows important parts of a second run-of-river power plant in
front
elevational view.
,
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Figure 3 shows a third run-of-river power plant in front
elevational view.
Figure 4 shows important parts of a module made of concrete.
Figure 5 shows three modules arranged close to one another in
perspective
representation.
Figure 6 shows three further modules arranged close to one
another in
perspective representation.
Figures 7 to 10 illustrate the important steps of a first method
for erecting a
module according to the invention in a riverbed.
Figures 11 to 14 illustrate the important steps of a second construction
method
for erecting a module according to the invention in a riverbed.
Figure 15 shows a module, which is arranged and fixed to the
riverbed by
means of stakes, looking in the flow direction.
Figure 16 shows an object similar to one according to Figure 17,
however with two modules.
Figure 17 shows a finished part in perspective representation,
which is an
integral part of a module.
Figure 18 shows the object of figure 15 in side view
Figures 19, 20, 21 show a further water power plant in front elevational view,
and more precisely in three different operating phases.
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Figure 1 shows a module 1 according to the invention. Said module comprises a
retaining wall 2, a bearing wall 3 as well as an energy unit 4 carried by the
bearing wall 3. The energy unit 4 contains a turbine 4,1 as well as a
generator
4,2. Both have a common rotational axis.
An intermediate space 5 is situated between the retaining wall 2 and the
bearing
wall 3. Said space can be covered by a rake 6. The rake is articulated to the
upper
edge of the retaining wall 2 can swivel around the joint 6.1. The dotted line
shows
the rake 6 in raised position. To disassemble the turbine, the rake can be
raised
even further upwards. The suspension point of the rake 6.1 can similarly be
arranged correctly to the bearing wall 3.
The retaining wall 2 and the bearing wall 3 are anchored in the riverbed 7.
The
upper water 8 is dammed up against the retaining wall 2. Water flows over the
rake 6 and falls from the upper edge of the bearing wall down to the
underwater
9. The river flows in the direction of the arrow 10. During operation, the
rake 6 is
more advantageously tilted to the underwater. The dirt is drawn along the rake
rods into the underwater 9. A separate rake cleaning machine can be dispensed
with.
Figure 3 shows again a bearing wall 3, made of a concrete body, as well as an
energy unit 4.
The energy unit 4 is mounted at the upper end of the inlet opening of the
suction
channel 13. See suspension journals 13.1. The energy unit 4 has a crane hook
4.1
on the generator housing, to be hoisted during maintenance works or similar.
The
inlet opening of the suction channel 13 is designed as a seat. Said unit
exhibits a
circular seat body (non represented), on which rests the housing of the energy
unit 4 in operating condition.
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The bearing wall 3 includes a vertical guide groove 3.1. A suspension hook,
which
is an integral part of an inlet funnel 4.2, can travel up and down in said
guide
groove. The hook encompasses the suspension journal 13.1. in the lower
position
illustrated here. The guide groove facilitates the assembly of the turbine by
means
5 of a crane.
With said construction, the energy unit 4 need not be fixed more extensively.
Said
unit is pressed against the seat at the inlet opening of the suction channel
by
virtue of its weight in combination with the suitably positioned suspension
journal
13.1.
Module 1 according to Figure 3 is built up substantially identical to the
module 1
according to Figure 2. The suction channel 13 is however slightly curved. The
6
can be swung up and down by means of a lifting device 6.2. The free end of the
rake 6 moreover has a skirt 6.3. Said skirt slides along the bearing wall 3
when
the rake closes. The rake 6 can be used for adjusting the gauge of the upper
water. The rake 6 is cleaned when in folded state. The dirt is carried away as
soon
as the rake 6 is tilted to the underwater 9 and overflowed.
The rake 6 fitted with the skirt 6.3 can be raised in such a way that the
level of
the upper water 8 is raised. This enables to regulate the upper water gauge.
See
the representation in dotted line of the upper water 8 - see Figure 3.
The embodiments according to Figures 1 to 3 clearly show that the rake 6 (seen
in
flow direction) drops downwards in operating condition. It is thus constantly
overflowed with water. This enables to keep it extensively clean without
resorting
to separate cleaning devices.
The illustrated configuration of retaining wall 2 and bearing wall 3 is
suitable for
such a configuration. The upstream end of the rake 6 can here be articulated
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especially with its upstream end at the upper edge of the retaining wall 2,
and can
with its downstream end lie on or abut against the upper edge of the bearing
wall
3. The upper edge of the retaining wall 2 hence lies at a greater geodetic
height
than the upper edge of the bearing wall 3.
This also appears clearly on Figure 4. Figure 4 shows a module in perspective
representation. Said module is cast in a single piece of concrete and for
example
filled with gravel. An intermediate space is situated between the retaining
wall 2
and the bearing wall 3. The retaining wall 2 is substantially vertical. The
bearing
wall 3 conversely is limited on its upstream side by a tilted surface, and by
a
curved surface on its downstream side. The energy unit 4 can be arranged as
described above on the tilted surface. By virtue of its own weight, the energy
unit
hence rests reliably on the tilted surface. The downstream-flowing water flows
over the curved surface.
Figure 5 shows several modules. These are arranged side by side, hence
crosswise
to the flow direction 10 of the river.
Figure 6 again shows three modules, in a very simplified fashion. Every module
is
provided with an arrow rake 6. A free intermediate space 1.1 is situated
between
two neighbouring modules. Said space can be opened and closed by a shut-off
device 1.2. The shut-off device 1.2 can for instance be a dam board. The
intermediate space 1.1 serves as a gravel channel. Bedload and floating debris
accumulate in front of the shut-off device 1.2. These must be removed from
time
to time. For that purpose, the dam boards 1.2 are hoisted from time to time in
the
direction of the vertical arrow. Floating debris or flotsam which has
accumulated
before the flap reaches into the underwater with the current.
When the dam boards 1.2 open, dirt is moreover carried away which has
accumulated in the rakes 6.
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Figures 7 to 10 illustrate process steps for carrying out a first method for
erecting
modules. To do so, Figures 7 and 8 are vertical sections through a riverbed
crosswise to the flow direction. The embankment 7.1 is clearly visible, as
well as
the riverbed 7.
In the work phase illustrated in figure 7, two sheet pile walls 20 and 21 are
rammed and fixed into the riverbed, each sheet pile wall reaches upwards at
least
up to the upper water 8, possibly even protrudes over it.
The sheet pile walls 20, 21 are fixedly anchored in the riverbed 7. They
remain in-
situ and hence form a carrying constituent of the power plant. The sheet pile
walls
20, 21 each have vertical grooves at their ends. Dam boards 22, 23 are pushed
into said grooves, see figure 9. This generates a surrounded space, and hence
a
sheeting of the foundation pit for a first module. See figure 10. The
foundation pit
can now be pumped dry. Moreover, a bed to lay the foundations of the modules
for later installation can be excavated and be anchored with lean concrete. a
first
module can now be lowered into the foundation pit and laid on the lean
concrete
foundations.
All the components aforementioned, that is to say the sheet pile walls 20, 21
as
well as the dam boards 22, 23 are re-usable
The sheet pile walls 20, 21 usually remain in the riverbed permanently. They
form
the carrying element for the whole dam.
The dam boards conversely are pulled out of the vertical grooves
aforementioned
upon completion of the construction work (see the condition represented in
figure
10). They can be re-used later for maintenance work on the corresponding
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modules. See in figure 10 both vertical upwards-directed arrows, which
illustrate
the extraction of the dam boards.
Moreover, only two dam boards 22, 23 are generally necessary. A first
foundation
pit is formed first of all, and then a second adjoining foundation pit is
erected, in
turn with one or several (new) sheet pile walls, but with the first mentioned
dam
boards 22, 23.
There is a second possibility without erecting a foundation pit. The procedure
is as
follows: The stakes 25 to 28 are first of all rammed into the riverbed - see
figure
11. A first module 1 is mounted into the stakes and anchored on them with an
interlocking fit. See Figures 12, 13 and 14.
As Figures 13 and 14 clearly show, a sealing member 30 is situated between the
riverbed 7 and the module 1. Said member is a fabric hose filled with
bentonite. It
surrounds the corresponding module at its external circumference and hence
encloses a space 31.
The space 31 is filled with an appropriate material, for instance with lean
concrete,
through an insertion channel 1.3. The pouring takes place under pressure, so
that
the foundation soil in the space 31 is solidified by casting cement. The space
31
can be filled and the foundation soil below the space 31 can be consolidated
to
prevent undermining of the module 1 by means of the known high-pressure soil
stabilisation method called "Jet-Grouting". The module is thus protected
against
undermining.
The seal 30 can be inserted in many ways, for instance by fastening on the
ground of the module 1 before mounting it into the stakes.
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It goes without saying that walls are also used instead of the stakes.
Incidentally,
it is still used with the described mounting procedure of the modules 1 and
the
laying of foundations with the aid of the sealing 30.
Figures 17 and 18 illustrate examples of a finished part in a very schematic
representation, Figure 17 in a perspective view, and Figure 18 in a vertical
section
positioned in flow direction.
The run-of-river power plant illustrated on Figures 19, 20 and 21 again has a
retaining wall 2 and a bearing wall 3. A gravel channel 1.1 is situated under
the
module 1. Said channel may consist of a plurality of individual channels,
running
parallel to one another in the flow direction.
The free space 5 is again situated between both walls 2 and 3. The energy unit
4
is also located there. The facility has a rake 6. In the present case, said
rake is
articulated at the upper edge of the carrier body 3 - see joint 6.1. But the
joint
could also be articulated on the upper edge of the retaining wall 2, as well
as in
figures 1 and 3.
An air vane 40 is articulated on the same joint 6.1. Said vane extends over
the full
width of the module 1. It is used for regulating the upper water 8.
The air vane 40 is folded up in the operating phase according to Figure 19.
Consequently, the gauge of the upper water 8 lies above the upper edge of the
retaining wall 2.
In the operating phase according to Figure 20, the air vane 40 is folded down
and
rests on the overflow surface of the bearing wall 3. The rake 6 is cleaned
during
this phase.
,
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In the operating phase illustrated in Figure 21, the air vane 40 is again
folded
down. The rake 6 is folded up on the spot - see the dotted line. A crane
vehicle 50
is situated on the crown of the bearing wall 2 and is ready to pull up the
energy
unit 4 for the purpose of maintenance work and consequently to transport it on
5 land.
Besides, a further air vane 41 is clearly visible on the upper edge of the
retaining
wall 2 exposed to the flow. Said air vane is folded down in Figures 19 and 20,
folded up in Figure 21, which is necessary during the performance of the works
10 with the crane vehicle 50.
The gravel channel 1.1 can be shut off by a further flap 42. Said channel is
shut
off for most of the operation so that the flap is in the position represented
in
Figures 19 and 20. The flap 42 is swung upwards for flushing the gravel
channel
1.1.
Other elements can be provided instead of the pivoting flaps 40, 41, 42
illustrated
here. It is also quite possible to provide a slide instead of the swivelling
flap, with
a slide plate running vertically, which can be extended out of the bearing
wall and
again retracted into it. The same goes for the flap 41 as well as for the flap
42.
The invention offers numerous advantages, as summed up below:
The structural means to be implemented and hence the investment costs can be
lowered drastically. The modular construction is here of crucial importance.
Every
module can have the same design or be completely identical with the other
modules.
The power plant dam can be built gradually starting from the shore. A first
module
is installed first of all close to the shore. Said module can be used as a
platform
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for the erection of a neighbouring module, and so forth, until completion of
the
whole dam structure. The design of the rakes simplifies maintenance works and
hence makes them cheaper.
Contrary to the conventional procedure, the sheet pile walls are not only used
temporarily. In fact, they become an integral part of the power plant inasmuch
as
they remain anchored fixedly in the riverbed contribute substantially to the
support of the whole construction. They hence fulfil a twofold function.
The modular construction offers longer service life of the power plant. A
limited
number of modules can first of all be fabricated, and the power plant can be
extended by adding additional modules at a much later stage (possibly after
several years).
The modules are constituted as a single-part. However, every module can also
be
built of two or several parts.
The modular construction can be realised also with existing installations, for
example by attaching it to an existing weir.
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List of reference numerals
1 Module
1.1 Free intermediate space
1.2 Shut-off device
2 Retaining wall
3 Bearing wall
3.1 Guide groove
4 Energy unit
4.1 Crane hook
4.2 Inlet funnel
5 Interspace
6 Rake
6.1 Joint
6.2 Lifting device
6.3 Skirt
7 Riverbed
7.1 Embankment
8 Upper water
9 Underwater
10 Flow direction
11 Layer of lean concrete
13 Suction channel
13.1 Suspension journals
14 Flap
20 Sheet pile wall
21 Sheet pile wall
22 Dam board
23 Dam board
24 Caisson
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25 Stakes
26 Stakes
27 Stakes
28 Stakes
30 Sealing member
31 Interspace
40 Air vane
41 Air vane
42 Shut-off flap
50 Crane vehicle
